The Pride of the Susquehanna returns for her 27th season

Thursday, April 2, 2015 3:00 AM

HARRISBURG, P.A. (APRIL 8, 2015) - The Harrisburg Area Riverboat Society is proud to announce that the Pride of the Susquehanna will be launched on April 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the South End of City Island. The public is welcome to attend and watch as tanks and servicemen from the National Guard maneuver the riverboat back into the river.

The launching of the boat serves as a training mission and occurs two times a year: once in spring, and again in the fall, when the riverboat returns to dry-dock for painting and repairs. The vessel's repairs this year were extensive; including a full rebuild of the engine, hydraulic system, generator, and more.

The Harrisburg Riverboat Society, the nonprofit organization that runs The Pride of the Susquehanna, has been busy this winter preparing new cruises and old favorites to entertain fans this year.

Tom Farr, the chairman of the Riverboat Society, claims that 2015 will be one of the most exciting seasons yet. "We are expanding our entertainment offerings to include live bands as well as brand new ‘Open Mic' nights where revelers come to ‘rock the boat!'" He also adds that dinner cruises, like the ever-popular Murder Mystery dinners, are coming back in force. "We have also retooled some other fun events like Wine and Cheese tasting and Craft Beer sampling." Families with young children need not wait at home, either. "While Princess Party cruises were a unique family hit last year, they are joining Ninjas and Heroes Pizza Parties as well as Pirates on the Pride to keep the whole family happy this summer!" Clearly, there is a little something for everyone on the riverboat.

The Riverboat Society is also excited to bring back The Susquehanna River School for its 17th season. The River School, a unique floating classroom, will sail for public trips every Saturday morning June-August at 10AM. Now in its 17th year, the River School remains the only dedicated classroom devoted to teaching the History and ecology of the Susquehanna River. Additionally, the activity-based ECO-CAMP series will be returning for its second year. Occurring on City Island after The River School comes back to the dock, ECO-CAMP begins at 12 noon every Saturday during the summer, teaching children important lessons about water quality through activities and demonstrations.